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Brandon A. Rhodes admitted in federal court today that he helped build and burn a cross on the
lawn of a black family’s home in Morrow County.

Rhodes, 20, quietly pleaded guilty to conspiracy to threaten the civil rights of an
individual, a charge punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

He did not comment after the hearing in U.S. District Court in Columbus. He was released on
his own recognizance.

The plea was the result of an agreement between Rhodes and U.S. attorneys, who are
prosecuting the hate-crime case. A juvenile who was involved pleaded guilty to five misdemeanor
counts of aggravated menacing in Morrow County.

Four of the victims in the case attended the federal hearing but would not comment. They will
have an opportunity to speak publicly during Rhodes’ sentencing in a few months.

Rhodes lives in rural Marengo, where the incident took place a year ago Friday. He and the
juvenile built a wooden cross and the juvenile wrote “KKK will make you pay” and a racial slur on
it.

They took the cross to the home of William and Priscilla Wells, poured gasoline on it and set
it ablaze. Then they drove away in Rhodes’ truck.

Mr. and Mrs. Wells lived at the home with their four children. Three of them attended high
school with the juvenile.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Parker said cross-burning cases still happen around the
country and are vigorously prosecuted.

“One of our most basic rights is for people to be safe in their own homes,” Parker said. “
This has been a tragedy for everyone.”